Signification
A standard greeting to ask about someone's well-being
Contexte culturel
In Pune, the 'cultural capital', using 'Tumhi' is strictly enforced. Even children are sometimes taught to address their parents as 'Tumhi' to maintain a tradition of respect. In Mumbai, the greeting is often faster. People might mix Marathi with Hindi or English, but 'Tumhi kase ahat?' remains the standard for formal Marathi interactions. In villages, the greeting is often followed by 'जेवलात का?' (Jevlat ka? - Did you eat?). Asking about food is as important as asking about well-being. Among Marathi speakers in the US or UK, this phrase is a way to instantly connect with their roots and show that they still value 'Marathi Sanskar' (values).
The Safety Net
If you are unsure whether to use 'Tu' or 'Tumhi', always choose 'Tumhi'. No one is ever offended by too much respect.
The Response
When someone asks you this, always reply 'Mi thik ahe' or 'Majet' before asking them back 'Ani tumhi?' (And you?).
Signification
A standard greeting to ask about someone's well-being
The Safety Net
If you are unsure whether to use 'Tu' or 'Tumhi', always choose 'Tumhi'. No one is ever offended by too much respect.
The Response
When someone asks you this, always reply 'Mi thik ahe' or 'Majet' before asking them back 'Ani tumhi?' (And you?).
Gender Trap
Don't use 'Kasa' or 'Kashi' with 'Tumhi'. Stick to 'Kase' for the formal version regardless of gender.
Body Language
A slight nod of the head while saying this makes you look like a native speaker.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct formal greeting for your boss.
नमस्कार सर, _______ ?
'Tumhi kase ahat' is the correct formal/honorific form for a male superior.
Fill in the missing verb for the formal plural.
तुम्ही कसे _______ ?
'Ahat' is the conjugation for 'Tumhi'.
Match the phrase to the person you are talking to.
Match: 1. Older Uncle, 2. Best Friend (Male), 3. Best Friend (Female)
Formal for elders, gender-specific informal for friends.
Complete the dialogue.
A: नमस्कार, तुम्ही कसे आहात? B: मी ठीक आहे, _______ .
It is polite to say 'Thank you' (Dhanyavad) after someone asks how you are.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal 'How are you?'
When to use 'Tumhi kase ahat?'
Work
- • Boss
- • Client
- • Colleague
Family
- • Grandparents
- • Aunts/Uncles
- • Parents
Public
- • Shopkeeper
- • Stranger
- • Doctor
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesनमस्कार सर, _______ ?
'Tumhi kase ahat' is the correct formal/honorific form for a male superior.
तुम्ही कसे _______ ?
'Ahat' is the conjugation for 'Tumhi'.
Match: 1. Older Uncle, 2. Best Friend (Male), 3. Best Friend (Female)
Formal for elders, gender-specific informal for friends.
A: नमस्कार, तुम्ही कसे आहात? B: मी ठीक आहे, _______ .
It is polite to say 'Thank you' (Dhanyavad) after someone asks how you are.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, 'Tumhi kase ahat?' is gender-neutral when used formally.
'Kasa' is masculine singular (informal), 'Kase' is plural/formal.
Yes, dropping the 'Tumhi' is very common and still polite.
You can say 'Thik-thak' (So-so) or 'Jara bare nahi' (Not feeling very well).
Yes, often abbreviated as 'Kase ahat?' in WhatsApp messages.
No, it's also for strangers, bosses, and groups of people.
This is a 'semi-formal' version. It uses the formal 'ahat' but the feminine 'kashi'. It's better for beginners to stick to 'kase ahat'.
It means 'in fun' or 'enjoying', the most common positive response.
You can, but it will sound like you are joking or being very formal with them.
Absolutely, though Mumbaikars might also use 'Kay challay?'.
Expressions liées
तू कसा आहेस?
informalHow are you? (to a male friend)
काय चाललंय?
similarWhat's going on?
मजेत ना?
builds onDoing well, right?
घरचे कसे आहेत?
builds onHow is the family?
ठीक आहे
contrastIt's okay / I'm okay
